Out and About in Muir of Ord!

06 November 2012

 MUIR of Ord is gearing up for its first ever transport day, which will provide a unique forum for exploring ways of getting around the local area.

Out and About in Muir of Ord will take place on Saturday 17 November at the village hall on Seaforth Road from 10:30am to 3pm. As well as picking up special deals on bus and train travel, people will be able to help discover and map the area’s best cycle and walking routes, get their bikes checked over and get tips on cycle skills and safety and equipment for the winter. There will also be fuel efficient driving sessions and a ‘bike amnesty’ - a chance to donate unused old bikes to New Start Highland for refurbishment. All the activities are free.

Locals are being invited to have their say on transport projects, including the replacement rail bridge, a proposed car club for the village, safe routes to schools, the forthcoming repairs on the Kessock Bridge, traffic calming and pedestrian crossings.

There will be fun activities for youngsters - and adults - including model railways, treasure hunts, face painting and teas, coffees and cakes will be provided by Tarradale Primary School.

The event is being organised by Transition Black Isle’s Million Miles project in conjunction with Muir of Ord Community Council and the Muir of Ord Environment Group.

"Muir of Ord is a really well connected village, but finding out how to get around without a car isn't always easy,” explained community councillor Mike Atkinson. “Out and About in Muir of Ord is all about providing information on travelling on foot,by bike, bus and train - both around and to and from the village.

“With major works on the Kessock Bridge and a replacement rail bridge due in the village care will be needed to ensure Muir Of Ord remains safe for its residents. The event provides an opportunity to get up to date on these issues and to feed back to local representatives in a fun and informative environment."

Million Miles project officer Marion McDonald added: “We are working closely with transport providers in the area and Stagecoach has offered a week’s free travel on buses from Muir of Ord to Inverness and Dingwall.

“This is the first in a series of events planned for villages in the Black Isle as part of the Million Miles initiative, which aims to cut car use by one percent a year for the next three years.”

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